“How Sweet the Sounds” Choir Program: Repertoire Roundup
Wow, is this spring flying by! I cannot believe we are just a week away from Spring Break! Last week, three of our choirs presented our first choir concert of the semester, and I am so excited to share our “How Sweet the Sounds” program with you.
When I found out that our mid-term concert was going to be in February, I decided that we would present a concert featuring music by all Black composers for Black History Month. Taking cues from choral scholars like Marques Garrett and Andre Thomas, I knew that it would be important to feature the wide range of styles and genres created and shared by Black musicians, including idiomatic and non-idiomatic musics. Check out my post here for more information on responsibly and mindfully programming music by Black composers.
That being said, all of this music is obviously incredibly appropriate for all times of the year. Don’t wait until next February to listen to or program some of this incredible repertoire! Below, I share the treble choir, bass choir, and all-choir pieces we presented on our “How Sweet the Sounds” concert. Check out our program and notes below!
How Sweet the Sounds Treble Choir Program Selections
Say Her Name
We opened our “How Sweet the Sounds” concert with a call to action, saying the names of Black women who we have lost to police brutality. Alysia Lee‘s original Say Her Name is a poignant and timely piece that opens the floor to important conversation and reflection on the cultural customs and rituals behind saying names.
Stand Up
Originally performed by Cynthia Erivo for the biographical film Harriet, “Stand Up” was described by Rolling Stone as a “slow-burning, gospel-tinged ballad.” Arranged by Téa Douglas from the pop singing group DGLS, this piece is sung from the perspective of American abolitionist Harriet Tubman as she “stands up” and leads her “people” to the “promised land.”
Wanting Memories
With a simple ostinato, thought-provoking text, and comforting harmonies, Ysaye M. Barnwell’s Wanting Memories is a beautiful addition to any choral program. Learning this piece cannot be complete, however, without an understanding of its roots, creation, and intent. Written for SSATB, but easily re-arranged for SSSAA, Wanting Memories is appropriate for any mid-level to advanced ensemble.
Lift Me Up
I have been wanting to try an arranging project with my choral ensembles for a while. When I heard Rihanna singing Lift Me Up at the end of Black Panther , I thought “this is the piece!” Together, Scarlet Voices and I arranged this piece for unaccompanied treble voices with solos. I’ll be sure to write about this process later this spring!
On My Journey Now
On My Journey Now arranged by Brandon Waddles is a joyful gospel interpretation of a traditional spiritual. With characteristics of both gospel and spirituals, this piece provides an excellent introduction to both styles of music, and opens the door to discussion of symbolic language in spirituals and to listening opportunities galore. Click below to learn about arranger Brandon Waddles, the differences between traditional spiritual and gospel musics, the symbolic language present in On My Journey Now, and must-listen recordings of the traditional spiritual.
How Sweet the Sounds Bass Choir Program Selections
My Heart Be Brave
My Heart Be Brave by Marques Garrett is a gorgeous and challenging work for SATB or TTBB ensembles. With expansive vocal ranges, divisi, and unaccompanied singing, this piece is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, Garrett masterfully set the poetry by James Weldon Johnson in such a manner that it encourages singers to take courage every step of the learning journey.
Harriet Tubman
I am obsessed with this piece by Rollo Dilworth, arranged for SATB or TTBB ensembles with piano, bass, and djembe and filled with historical and cultural connections to be thoroughly explored. Dilworth has expertly set the poem by Eloise Greenfield, an author who uses poetry to teach children about the African-American experience. American abolitionist Harriet Tubman was known by the code-name “Moses” when she worked on the Underground Railroad. With this in mind, Dilworth quotes the traditional spirituals “Go Down, Moses” and “If I Got My Ticket” throughout the piece.
Algo Me Dicen Tus Ojos
With text by Peruvian politician Manuel González Prada and music by American composer Rosephanye Powell, Algo Me Dicen Tus Ojos was a favorite for many of my TTBB singers. The text is mysterious and set so well in this hauntingly beautiful piece. “Your eyes are saying something to me, but what they say, I do not know.”
I Am With You
Written by Arkansas State graduate Dr. Derrick Fox, I Am With You is a sweet and beautiful treat for any singer or listener. The words throughout offer assurance and confidence in one’s self to show up and be there for those you care about. Composed for TTB, Fox’s I Am With You is accessible and appropriate for singers in developing through advanced ensembles.
Superstition
Singing Statesmen’s final piece on the program was a contemporary a cappella TTBB arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition. As soon as they heard the bass line, our singers were hooked on this piece! In addition to having a fun groove, the song opens up doors to discussions of the 1970s pop scene, superstitions and their origins, and contributions of Black musicians in popular music.
How Sweet the Sounds Combined Choir Selection
Praise His Holy Name
We closed our “How Sweet the Sounds” concert with a rousing performance of Keith Hampton’s Praise His Holy Name. “Doc” Hampton taught this piece to our Gospel Choir by rote when I was an undergraduate at Augustana College, and I was so excited to teach it in the same manner to my students. Available for SATB, SSA, and TTB, this is a great introduction to the Gospel style for so many ensembles. Make sure to watch videos of Doc conducting the piece to grab those stylistic ideas that are not written on the page!
I’d Love to Hear from You!
What do you think of the “How Sweet the Sounds” concert program selections? Which other pieces might you feature on a similar concert? What would you like to see next on Inspired Choir? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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Free Comprehension Worksheets
Choir Leaders! I have begun to include short comprehension worksheets with each Inspired Choir blog post. Each worksheet includes 5-6 knowledge-based questions about the post and concludes with a musical decisions/applications question. Use as a homework assignment, sub activity, listening challenge, or guide for conversation in class. Fill in the form below and get a link to a folder including the worksheets from all 2023 Spring Repertoire posts.
Lesson Plan Bundles & Teaching Guides
Are you a choir teacher who has programmed any of the “How Sweet the Sounds” pieces above? Let me share my teaching resources with you! Check out the Inspired Choir Shop for lesson plan bundles and teaching guides. Don’t see what you are looking for? Shoot me an email and I’ll get working on it for you!
